Review - - The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain

The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain

by Hannah Brown

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Sybil can’t wait to escape to a tropical paradise, all expenses paid. Well, technically the expenses were paid—last year, when she was supposed to honeymoon in Hawaii with her then-fiancé Jamie. But the wedding didn’t go as planned (or at all), and now she’s using those hotel vouchers to enjoy some mai tais, med spas, and me-time.

But she nearly plunges backwards into the infinity pool when she sees Jamie there too. He’s on a work trip representing his family’s firm, alongside his gorgeous, tangerine bikini-clad “colleague.”

Desperate to save face in front of the ex who broke her heart at the altar, Sybil accidentally-on-purpose blurts out that she’s vacationing with her boyfriend. But what starts as a harmless lie soon spirals into an ex-fiancé fiasco when Sebastian—the second of Sybil’s three failed engagements—pops by fresh off a photography gig. Seb’s always up for a good time and happy to play along . . . sparking unexpected jealousy in Jamie.

From snorkeling snafus to stunning vistas to beach parties, Sybil does her best to juggle two ex-fiancés. But it’s becoming clear that her past of broken promises must be reckoned with once and for all—including that first fiancé, Liam, the one she never talks about . . .

Is the notorious free-spirit, life-of-the-party, runaway bride Sybil Rain ready to heal from her three past engagements and make room in her heart for a fourth and final chance at love?

PJ's Thoughts:

If you're a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise who enjoyed Hannah Brown's charming, joyful personality on the show, you're not going to want to miss her second romcom, The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain. If you're not a fan but you enjoy a well-crafted story that's rich with humor, breezy banter, and emotional depth, this would be a great time to discover this up and coming author. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Brown's debut, Mistakes We Never Made (click for my review) and have been eagerly anticipating her sophomore novel. I'm delighted to say it did not disappoint. In this new book, Brown takes readers to a sunny, fun-filled island resort with a second-chance story that simply sparkles. In fact, I pretty much smiled through the entire book. The characters are nicely developed, the setting vibrantly depicted (I swear I could smell the ocean breezes), and the book is filled with a whole boatload of situations that are, by turns, sweet, scary, awkward, funny, endearing, realistic and completely relatable. 

If you're looking for a summer read that's filled with humor, awkward moments, poignant reflections, flirty banter, mistakes (face it, we all make them), second chances, and new beginnings, pick up a copy of The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain. It's a fun island adventure...with a happy ending! 

Review - - Small Town Hero

Small Town Hero

by Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

The towns may be small, but the hearts of the cowboy heroes in this duo of romantic novellas are as outsized as the rugged land that surrounds them . . .

ONE LONESOME COWBOY
by Linda Lael Miller
When a family crisis brings web designer and part-time house flipper Susannah Holiday to Arizona to care for her young niece, she’s soon juggling work, childcare—and her growing feelings for local paramedic and horse whisperer Ian McKenzie. They have more in common than meets the eye—including being cautious when it comes to love. But when a disturbing revelation from Susannah’s past surfaces, Ian is there to comfort her, and they both find their longing hearts opening to a better future—together . . .

COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY
by Maisey Yates
After Birdie Lennox, daughter of a notorious cattle rustler, gets caught stealing a horse off Gunnar Parsons’ land, she ends up bunking in his barn to work off her debt—plus her daddy’s. But Birdie hardly has patience for Gunnar’s moralizing. The man inherited his ranch and has always hated her family. Still, it beats prison. Maybe. What neither anticipates is discovering they have more in common than they dreamed possible. Even more unexpected is the spark between them—and the love it might ignite . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Fans of Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates should enjoy diving into new stories by these well-known western romance authors. For readers new to one or both, these quick reads are a great way to sample what both Miller and Yates have to offer. 

In "One Lonesome Cowboy," Miller explores love, family, community, trauma, and healing with a dash of mystery in a slow-burn romance that's both charming and heart-tugging. The characters drew me into their lives almost immediately and had me rooting for their happy endings.

Maisey Yates is known for her emotionally rich stories, often featuring characters with harsh or traumatic life experiences. "Cowboy, Take Me Away" features Birdie Lennox who may be one of the most wounded characters she's featured though she hides it well under a brash exterior. I really enjoyed watching Birdie and Gunnar slowly break down walls and open hearts in this enemies-to-lovers story of healing, redemption, community, and a hard-won happy ending. 

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying western romance with relatable characters, strong community, family dynamics, and heartfelt happy endings, add this duology to your summer reading list. 

Review - - Confessions of a Grammar Queen

Confessions of a Grammar Queen

by Eliza Knight

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960's New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.

Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women's book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she's inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

And that is precisely what Bernadette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize—equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion—while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.

PJ's Thoughts:

Eliza Knight brings the 1960s to life with this well-researched, uplifting, unapologetically feminist story of women fighting for a seat at professional tables. I loved it!

I was with Bernadette every step of the way as she navigates the sexist culture of the New York publishing industry and her particularly horrid boss. As a grammar loving little girl who grew into a grammar-loving woman (why, yes, I did red-pencil memos I received from corporate execs), I was absolutely gleeful soaking in her extensive vocabulary and perfectly placed punctuation while editing a plethora of manuscripts (8 to 1 vs. the men!).

Female bonds are strong in this book. I especially enjoyed the clandestine book club that meets at the library. Think banned books, supportive sisters, and, ultimately, a rising up against the injustices of the reigning patriarchy. It's fun, emotional, and empowering. It is found family and sisterhood on the very best level though it isn't always easy. Knight goes deeper to explore issues, especially generational ones, that bring differing perspectives to the fore. 

While serious issues are centered in this book, the overall tone is lighter than one might expect and that is due, in large part, to Bernadette's beloved Frank. In fact, there are chapters sprinkled through the book that are told from Frank's perspective. And who, you may ask is Frank? Is he Bernadette's romantic interest? No, that title goes to a certain editor who more than earns his romance hero title. Frank is Bernadette's protector, her confidante, her best friend, and her roommate. Frank is a dog, a huge Harlequin Great Dane to be specific, and Frank has opinions. Frank's chapters bring humor, endearing emotion, and fierce loyalty to the story. I cannot imagine the book without him. 

If you're in the mood to take a step back in time (I graduated high school in 1969. I can't bring myself to call this historical fiction) and cheer on Bernadette, her co-workers, friends, and Frank as they fight the good fight for respect and equality in the workplace, add Eliza Knight's Confessions of a Grammar Queen to your summer reading list. I highly recommend it. 

 

Review - - Coming in Hot

Coming in Hot

by Josie Juniper

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

After a decade in journalism, Natalia Evans has reached the pinnacle of her career—lead reporter for Auto Racing Journal. Every season promises to be a thrilling adventure in the glamorous world of elite racing, surrounded by top-tier athletes and influential industry legends. The only complication in Natalia’s plans? One of those legends happens to be the enigmatic Emerald Team Principal, Klaus Franke—the handsome “stranger” with whom Natalia once shared an unforgettable night… that had to be forgotten. 

Klaus is icy, controlled, and utterly off limits. But the cracks in his reserve expose a heat Natalia can’t resist as fate drags them together again and again. Both guarding their hearts, the pair are soon embroiled in a high-stakes sporting scandal that threatens to shatter more than just their reputations and relationships. 

Natalia needs the scoop of the century. Klaus needs more time. But they soon discover that maybe they need each other more than anything else. 

PJ's Thoughts:

This book may not be everyone's jam but it sure was mine. First, I'm an F1 racing fan so anything set against the backdrop of that international race circuit is going to automatically have appeal for me. Second, Klaus and Natalia intrigued me as secondary characters in Juniper's Double Apex so I was already primed to discover the behind-the-scenes details of their story. Third, it's an age-gap romance (though only 10 years so is it really?) and since my own 25-year marriage was also age-gap... Enough said. ;-)

The book is told from Klaus' and Natalia's points of view in alternating chapters so right from the start we're privy to what's going on in their minds. I love the insight into their feelings, especially when things get messy. And, boy howdy, do they get messy. Juniper really puts these two through the wringer and she does it over an extended period of time with a lot of push and pull, and separations, during the process. 

The racing aspect of the series is still an important factor in this book though not as front and center as in book one. The relationship and character development definitely take center stage in this one. 

Some readers may get a bit impatient with both Klaus and Natalia but I didn't. Yes, they have incredible chemistry. And, yes, their physical relationship is steamy with a capital S. And yes, the feelings between them continue to deepen so why don't they just admit they love one another and have their happy ending? Well, sometimes things are a bit more complex. These two are each carrying some pretty heavy emotional baggage that needs to be sorted before they can even begin to consider a lasting relationship. They each make mistakes that derail their relationship progress but they also learn essential lessons that are necessary. They are multi-layered characters with realistic flaws, especially considering their past experiences. I appreciate that the author gives them the time and space to grow individually before allowing them to grow as a couple. And yes, they do finally get their hard-won happy ending, one I wholeheartedly celebrated. 

Winners - - Debbie Mason's The Sweet Life

 

The randomly chosen winners

of a signed print copy of

The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason are:

Jody Hunt

and

Maryann

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Please include "The Sweet Life" in the subject line

of your email. 

Tour Review - - Over the Sea to Skye

Over the Sea to Skye

by Sue Moorcroft

The Skye Sisters Trilogy - Book 3

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books in Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy. Moorcroft has done a superb job of immersing me not only into the lives of Thea, Ezzie, and Valentina but also the beautiful Isle of Skye. As with books one and two, the first thing I wanted to do upon turning the final page of Valentina's book was book a flight to Scotland. This author always manages to do that to me, wherever her books are set. 

Moorcroft kept me on my toes with this story. With more than a few twists, I wasn't sure how it would all work out but was happy with the way it did. I enjoyed the multiple relationships explored throughout the story - from Xander's relationship with his teenage nephew to the familial relationships among Valentina, her sisters and their partners, to the fraught one between Valentina and her soon to be ex-husband, not to mention his family and girlfriend. Then there is the simmering romantic potential between Valentina and Xander. With her in Scotland and Xander from the U.S., can it ever be more than just a summer romance? There's also awkwardness and second thoughts between adopted Valentina and the biological family member she's just discovered. I appreciated the author's skill in seamlessly weaving them all together organically while keeping the progression realistic and relatable. 

Over the Sea to Skye is a humorous, heart-tugging, emotional journey from heartbreak to happiness that brings Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. It can be read as a standalone but, for me, was much more enjoyable for having read the three books in order. 

Review & Giveaway - - The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

by Debbie Mason

Sunshine Bay - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Sometimes you can go home again . . .
 
Attorney Sage Rosetti is a force to be reckoned with. Work/life balance? Never heard of it. But when the unexpected loss of her mentor sends her spiraling, she’s prescribed a healthy dose of time off. Luckily, she’s just inherited the perfect home where she can recover. Unluckily, she’s now co-owners with her high school crush/nemesis, Jake Walker. How can she truly relax when her heart is at risk?

Sage’s mother, Gia, is dealing with a crisis of her own. A new book is about to reveal their family’s biggest secret—and Gia’s devasting heartbreak. The only person she can confide in is the one man she shouldn’t be getting close to: her sister’s ex.

But just as Sage and Gia are starting to find their paths, someone from Gia’s past resurfaces who could ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to build.

PJ's Thoughts:

Debbie Mason takes readers back to Sunshine Bay for the final book in her trilogy about the Rosetti women. This time, Gia and her workaholic daughter, Sage take center stage and things in Sunshine Bay are about to get complicated.

I absolutely adore this Italian-American family of women that Mason has created. They leap from the pages of this book with their verve, their over the top emotions, their family feuds, and their bonds of love that, while tattered in some cases (for very good reasons), are perhaps not quite beyond repair. 

There's a lot going on in this book that kept me eagerly flipping pages. Mason infuses the story with humor, hope, romance, grief, betrayal, family conflict, self-discovery, and unexpected new beginnings, managing it all seamlessly. And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the drool-worthy dishes that emerge from the kitchen of the Rosetti family restaurant. My advice: have the pasta ready before you start reading.

Her characters are incredibly well developed and fully dimensional, with journeys that feel authentic and relatable. In all three books, I have never felt like I was reading about fictional characters. The three generations of Rosetti women and the men who have won their hearts have become real people to me and I am fully invested in their happiness.

Debbie Mason is a consummate storyteller whose books are among my favorites. If you enjoy family-centric books with romance, complicated relationships, a bit of mystery, and the joy - and messiness - of a big Italian family, give this one a try. 

The Sweet Life could be enjoyed on its own but because of the inter-woven stories and complicated family relationships that run through the trilogy, my understanding of all the characters, their past - and present - relationships and conflicts was enhanced by reading the three books in order. They are Summer on Sunshine Bay, Three Little Wishes, and The Sweet Life. 

Have you read Debbie Mason?

Do you enjoy women's fiction-romance blends?

Each of the Rosetti women has developed a signature sauce. What's the dish you're known for in your family?

Debbie Mason has very graciously offered a signed copy of The Sweet Life to two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, (EDT), June 12.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Winner - - It Takes A Psychic

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a hardcover copy of

It Takes A Psychic by Jayne Castle is:

Marcia B-C

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winners - - June Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winners

of a print book of my choice are:

Glenda

and

Cherie J

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - The Summer That Changed Everything

The Summer That Changed Everything

by Brenda Novak

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

She returned to prove her father's innocence, but there's no telling what she'll find…

It's been fifteen years since Lucy Sinclair saw her father. Fifteen long years since she sat in a courtroom and watched him sentenced to life in prison. He murdered three victims—all people she knew—which ruined her life at just seventeen. But now she’s back in Virginia to talk to him, wondering if there’s more to the story of what happened that fateful night.

An old flame, Ford Wagner, makes his own return to North Hampton Beach, fleeing a marriage that seems destined for divorce. He’s wary of Lucy and her digging into the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more he finds himself reconsidering the truth behind the death of their mutual friend that summer. Problem is, there are plenty of those in this small coastal town who would prefer things stay quiet…

PJ's Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite Brenda Novak books that I've read in the past few years. It is so well crafted, pulling me into the story and holding me in its grip through a series of twists and turns that I did not see coming. It kept me up reading way too late because I had to know how it would all turn out. 

I love a good mystery and this one was so tightly woven that I had no idea what would happen until the final reveal. Novak outdid herself. Just when I thought I had it figured out she threw in an unexpected twist that sent me careening in a totally different direction. I was thoroughly absorbed in every page, trying to decide where she would take the story next. I love when an author accomplishes that!

The romantic part of the story is no less complicated with Ford and Lucy reuniting after their teenage relationship crashed and burned. There's tension and mistrust (understandable, considering what happened after her father was arrested) but Novak handles it with a deft hand. Their actions in present day feel authentic and their slowly unfolding relationship, with its peaks and valleys, real and organic. 

If you're looking for a well-crafted romantic suspense novel with a cross-class, second-chance romance, a tightly-woven mystery, a hostile community, unexpected twists, and a hard-won happy ending, add The Summer That Changed Everything to your summer reading list. I highly recommend it. 

Review - - The Lost Book of First Loves

The Lost Book of First Loves

by RaeAnne Thayne

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn't tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…

Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same.

Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters. 

PJ's Thoughts:

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne is another multi-layered story of complicated relationships that tugs masterfully at the heartstrings. Thayne has a gift for creating complex families - both biological and family of the heart - that take me on an emotional journey.

I enjoyed not only the unfolding story of Ali and June but also the romantic journeys each of them traveled. The themes in the book are plentiful, including found family, forgiveness, acceptance, second chances (in life, career, and love), self discovery, and mapping new paths. That could be a bit much but in Thayne's skilled hands, they are interwoven with care and finesse, leading to an organic evolution of a realistic and relatable journey. 

Another facet of Thayne's writing that I enjoy is her ability to set a vividly depicted scene. She brought Wyoming to life through her descriptions, immersing me in it's majestic mountains and beautiful valleys. I felt as if I was right there with June as she discovered the healing medicine of nature and the first tendrils of belonging. 

If you're looking for a heart-tugging story of healing, hope, family, and endearing romance, add The Lost Book of First Loves to your summer reading list.   

 

Review & Giveaway - - It Takes a Psychic

It Takes a Psychic

by Jayne Ann Krentz

A Harmony Novel

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

PJ's Thoughts:

I first discovered this author while reading her Amanda Quick historical romances. I then fell in love with the romantic suspense books written by Jayne Ann Krentz, having no idea at the time that the two authors were one and the same. Some time later, I stumbled upon Jayne Castle's Harmony books, set a few hundred years in the future on the planet of Harmony. Again, another pen name of this talented wordsmith. Different eras. Different planets. All the same superb writing. Whether I'm in Victorian England, 1930's California, present-day, or across the galaxy in the distant future, I know when I pick up one of her books I'm guaranteed an immersive, relatable story I won't be able to put down.

Leona and Oliver hooked me from the opening pages of this book. They - and the reader - are thrown head first into danger and intrigue almost immediately. Strangers to one another, they discover a common goal (each for their own reasons) which has them teaming up and heading out of town to track down answers. All of this seems completely acceptable to them and especially to Leona because as her moms (who did a quick investigation into Oliver) have told her, he's "probably not a serial killer."

The pace never lags as they face down a weird little town (think Twilight Zone), a cult, mind-altering psi weapons, Underworld hazards (a series of psi-rich tunnels and caves, not Satan's playground), an eccentric hoarder who may hold answers to Leona's childhood, and a cunning, clearly unstable villain who wants at least one - and maybe both - Oliver and Leona dead. It's a wild ride and one that kept me engaged and eagerly flipping pages from start to finish. Castle/Krentz has a way of crafting these stories, and characters, that has me jumping right in with both feet and total acceptance. Nothing seems too "out there" to be believable. 

While the action/suspense element of this book takes the lead, romance is not lost. I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Leona and the way their relationship evolved over the course of the book. Their unique "talents" have caused previous relationships to crash and burn, leading both of them to think they are most likely destined to be alone. It was fun to watch that belief turned on its head. 

Last, but never least, a Jayne Castle Harmony novel would not be complete without a dust bunny. In this book, the star of the show is Roxy, a sparkly-blue-fascinator-wearing, pizza-eating, adventure-seeking, adrenaline junkie who is not about to be left behind when Oliver and Leona set off to solve the mysteries before them. I adored her and I have to be honest, she pretty much steals the whole book. 

If you're in the mood for laughter, suspense, witty dialog, tightly-crafted mystery, quirky characters, romance, danger, and happy endings, pick up a copy of It Takes a Psychic. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

PSA: When you get to Chapter Fifty-Two, make sure you're not eating or drinking anything. I laughed out loud the first time I read it and have continued to do so each of the two...five...fifteen times since. 

Note: If you read last year's People in Glass Houses (click title to read my review), you will recognize Leona as Molly's sister, the one lost in the Underworld who Molly is trying to rescue. If you're new to Harmony, it isn't necessary to read the two books in order to fully enjoy them. I do, however, highly recommend both. 

Have you read Jayne Ann Krentz or any of her other pen names?

Have you read any of the Harmony books?

Do you enjoy reading books with psychic elements? Have you ever had any psychic experiences?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 5 will receive a hardback copy of It Takes a Psychic.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18